Each summer, Camp Youngblood reminds us why our community is so strong. Held at Camp Holiday Trails from July 13–18 and made possible through the partnership between the Virginia Hemophilia Foundation (VHF) and the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA), this year’s camp brought nearly 40 young people from the inherited bleeding disorders community together for a week filled with connection, new friendships, greater independence and moments they will never forget.
Throughout the week, campers took part in outdoor adventures, creative arts, and meaningful education. A highlight was the infusion education session, where campers practiced self-infusion using VainSim realistic vein simulation arms, a new resource purchased thanks to generous Giving Tuesday donations.
These simulators were a big hit with campers, the Camp Holiday Trails medical team, and Dr. Colleen Druzgal, hematologist at UVA’s Pediatric Hemophilia Treatment Center and Camp Youngblood volunteer. Campers of all ages took steps toward an important medical milestone – successfully infusing themselves for the very first time.
As Amy Walker, VHF Board President, Camp Youngblood volunteer, RN, and mother of four, reflected: “The VeinSims were a pivotal step in bridging the gap for campers learning how to self-infuse. It gave them the confidence that they could try on themselves and others and be successful. The best part of camp was seeing the joy on the campers faces as they used the VeinSims to “stick their vein” and saw the “blood return” come back when the needle hit the vein.”
To make camp pickup more accessible and meaningful for families, VHF and HACA once again offered hotel accommodation on Thursday night, July 17, so that families didn’t need to drive early Friday morning. This thoughtful support, launched in 2024, has quickly become an appreciated part of the Camp Youngblood experience.
That evening, families gathered for an educational dinner sponsored by Takeda at Burton’s Grill and Bar. The session, led by Morgan Cook, focused on navigating schools with a bleeding disorder and recognizing and responding to bleeds. Families not only gained practical tools as they prepare for back-to-school season but also connected with one another in an informal setting.
On Friday, July 18, over 25 families joined us at Camp Holiday Trails for our Family Friday Breakfast Program. After a morning welcome and flagpole gathering, families enjoyed breakfast with their campers, toured cabins, met fellow campers and counselors. This morning offers families a firsthand glimpse into the camp experience.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Golden Stick Award, an honor given to campers who successfully self-infuse for the first time at camp. This year, Dr. Druzgal and Amy Walker had the joy of presenting the award to Malcolm Sterner, who shared: “The Golden Stick Award felt great! It felt nice for people at CHT to recognize that I am able to give myself my own medicine. Having the camp staff and fellow campers see this achievement and my independence was encouraging. This award made it feel official that I am injecting myself with my own medicine. It feels good to be independent at this young of an age.”
His sister, Kaylee, added: “I was not expecting to hear Malcolm’s name! But once I heard what the award was for, I felt that he absolutely deserves it. I am really proud that he has the bravery to inject himself!”
And from their mother, Beth: “Seeing Malcolm being awarded the Golden Stick Award brought tears to my eyes – especially when he hugged Dr. Druzgal, who has been on this journey with us since Malcolm was tiny. I remembered all his surgeries, his clinic visits, and so many home infusions throughout the years, and I felt so much gratitude to see him having come so far. He’s a tough kid, and I’m so very proud of him.”
These are the moments that define Camp Youngblood—where education meets empowerment, and community becomes family. Though Camp Youngblood 2025 has come to a close, its impact will carry forward all year long.
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors—Bayer, CSL Behring, CVS, Genentech, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, UVA-HTC, and VCU-HTC—for their continued support. A special thank-you to the Colburn-Keenan Foundation for sponsoring our Thursday and Friday Summer Camp Experience Program and for helping us provide gas cards to attendees.
This life-changing experience would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, camp counselors, the incredible staff at Camp Holiday Trails, Dr. Colleen Druzgal, Amy Walker, and the many families and campers whose presence made the week truly meaningful. Thank you all for making this summer unforgettable.
